Ellspermann said he hopes the next vendor that takes over the small cafe will offer the same, or comparable options that include healthy choices.

The cafe was convenient for attorneys, jurors, courthouse staff and others not wanting to take the time to patronize local restaurants on Ocala’s downtown square, he said.

“It’s a great benefit in relation to not only the community, but the people that work here,” Ellspermann said.

Ocala Grille was the third eatery to establish a cafe within the courthouse since 2010. It was the sole bidder in response to an RFP issued by the county in 2011 and won a contract that began in January 2012.

Past concessionaires included La Familia, a Spanish food establishment in 2011. In 2010, the Sovereign Bakery and Eatery’s contract with the county also was terminated because of late payments.

Ellsperman said he first initiated the efforts to find a vendor for the courthouse back in 2010, but has scaled back his role a bit. He said he was glad the county’s procurement services has taken action and stepped up to find another vendor.

Contact Vishal Persaud at 867-4065, vishal.persaud@starbanner.com or on Twitter @vishalpersaud.

<p>The Marion County Board of County Commissioners has issued a request for proposals to find a new concessionaire for the courthouse.</p><p>The request comes after the Ocala Grille, which operated a small cafe at the courthouse, closed in November because of late electric and commission payments to the county.</p><p>“I'm excited that the county is considering to replace the past vendor,” said David Ellspermann, Marion County clerk of the circuit court.</p><p>Interested vendors have until 3 p.m. Jan. 22 to submit proposals to the county's procurement services department.</p><p>The Ocala Grille offered a range of pre-made hot and cold sandwiches, hot dogs, salads, assorted snacks, coffee and other drinks. </p><p>Ellspermann said he hopes the next vendor that takes over the small cafe will offer the same, or comparable options that include healthy choices.</p><p>The cafe was convenient for attorneys, jurors, courthouse staff and others not wanting to take the time to patronize local restaurants on Ocala's downtown square, he said.</p><p>“It's a great benefit in relation to not only the community, but the people that work here,” Ellspermann said.</p><p>Ocala Grille was the third eatery to establish a cafe within the courthouse since 2010. It was the sole bidder in response to an RFP issued by the county in 2011 and won a contract that began in January 2012.</p><p>Past concessionaires included La Familia, a Spanish food establishment in 2011. In 2010, the Sovereign Bakery and Eatery's contract with the county also was terminated because of late payments.</p><p>Ellsperman said he first initiated the efforts to find a vendor for the courthouse back in 2010, but has scaled back his role a bit. He said he was glad the county's procurement services has taken action and stepped up to find another vendor. </p><p><i>Contact Vishal Persaud at 867-4065, vishal.persaud@starbanner.com or on Twitter @vishalpersaud.</i></p>